Vacuum cleaner attachment and method of use thereof

ABSTRACT

A vacuum cleaner attachment, especially suited for a wet/dry vacuum cleaner, having a ridged squeegee, a semi-absorbent pad and sidewalls for efficiently and effectively removing liquid and debris from a cleaning surface. The unique combination and orientation of cleaning elements permit maximum airflow into the cleaning attachment, thereby improving cleaning performance.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to vacuum cleaner attachments,and more specifically to a cleaning attachment especially suited for awet/dry vacuum cleaner, having a squeegee, a semi-absorbent pad andsidewalls, wherein the unique combination and orientation of cleaningelements permit maximum air flow into the cleaning attachment, therebyimproving cleaning performance.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various methods are known for cleaning surfaces. The method selecteddepends on whether it is desired to remove loose debris lying on asurface to be cleaned, in which a vacuum device or a brush and pan areutilized, or whether it is desired to remove water soluble materialand/or very fine loose material from the surface. In the latter case, asponge and/or mop, accompanied by water, is typically utilized. In atypical manual method for removing water soluble material and fine dust,a cleaning head is attached to a handle, which is dipped into a bucketof cleaning solution and applied to a surface to be cleaned by anoperator. The operator then manually scrubs the surface, and thecleaning head is again dipped back into the bucket and wrung out toremove the dirty cleaning solution. This conventional method requiressubstantial physical exertion by the operator to scrub and wring out thecleaning head. Moreover, dirty solution is repeatedly placed back ontothe cleaning surface, resulting in an ineffective cleaning method.

Many of the above disadvantages are resolved by the utilization of awet/dry vacuum cleaner. Wet/dry vacuum cleaners allow users to cleanvarious types of debris off of a variety of different surfaces. Therequirements for cleaning hard surfaces, such as hardwood floors oraluminum paneling, differ significantly from the requirements forcleaning soft surfaces, such as carpet or upholstery. Similarly,different cleaning elements are needed for dry suction operations thanfor wet cleaning operations. Thus, wet/dry vacuum cleaners typicallyemploy various types of cleaning attachments for various types ofcleaning operations.

Numerous cleaning attachments have been developed for wet/dry vacuumcleaners. Nevertheless, many of these cleaning attachments areinefficient, messy, and still require a significant amount of operatoreffort. Some of these cleaning attachments are relatively efficient whenutilized on flat and uniform surfaces that are readily accessible;however, they are relatively ineffective and provide unsatisfactoryresults when the surface to be cleaned is curved, uneven or is locatedin a relatively restricted area. In the car detailing industry, forexample, unsightly streaks, runs and/or spots are often the result ofincomplete wiping due to uneven and varying surfaces. Further,incompletely wiped cleaning solution often drips onto adjacent surfacesduring the cleaning process.

Various cleaning elements have been added to vacuum attachments inattempting to solve these problems, yet they fall short of theirintended purpose. For example, squeegee blades have been used to removeexcess liquid from cleaning surfaces. However, liquid retained on thesqueegee blades often drips back onto the cleaned areas or adjacentsurfaces when the squeegee blades are lifted from the cleaning surface.Furthermore, the addition of numerous cleaning elements often inhibitsairflow into the vacuum apparatus, thereby decreasing cleaningperformance.

Therefore, it is readily apparent that there is a need for a vacuumcleaner attachment that efficiently and effectively removes excess waterand cleaning solution from a cleaning surface, thereby maximizingoperator productivity and minimizing operation time. Additionally, thereis a need for a vacuum cleaner attachment that permits maximum airflowinto the attachment, thereby improving cleaning performance.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly described, in a preferred embodiment, the present inventionovercomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and meets the recognizedneed for such a device by providing a vacuum cleaner attachment,especially suited for a wet/dry vacuum cleaner, wherein the vacuumcleaner attachment has cleaning elements for efficiently and effectivelyremoving excess water and cleaning solution from a surface to becleaned, and wherein the unique combination and orientation of cleaningelements permit maximum air flow into the cleaning attachment.

According to its major aspects and broadly stated, the present inventionin its preferred form is a vacuum cleaner attachment generallycomprising a handle, an intake head, a semi-absorbent pad, a squeegeeand sidewalls. More specifically, the present invention comprises anintake head that is integrally formed to a handle, thereby forming acontinuous suction passageway to be connected to the vacuum source. Inaddition, a semi-absorbent pad and a squeegee are disposed on the intakehead for effectively and efficiently removing liquid and debris from acleaning surface, wherein the squeegee comprises ridges to permitmaximum airflow into the vacuum cleaner attachment, thereby maximizingcleaning performance. The vacuum cleaner attachment also possessessidewalls for providing structural support and maintaining the vacuumforce.

While not limiting, the present invention has particular relevance inthe car detailing industry. In its preferred method of use, after acleaning solution has been applied to the exterior of a car, the vacuumcleaner attachment is moved over the surface to be cleaned, whereindirt, dust, debris and the like, along with any residual cleaningsolution, is removed by the squeegee. Any liquid or debris not clearedaway by the squeegee is subsequently drawn into the intake head by thevacuum source. Further, any remaining liquid or debris is removed by thesemi-absorbent pad.

Accordingly, a feature and advantage of the present invention is itsunique combination and configuration of flexible cleaning elements thatallow the vacuum cleaner attachment to conform to varying surfaces.

Another feature and advantage of the present invention is its uniquecombination and configuration of flexible cleaning elements that permitmaximum airflow into the vacuum cleaner attachment, thereby enhancingcleaning performance.

Another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability toprevent the occurrence of unsightly streaks, runs and/or spots.

Another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability toeffectively and efficiently remove liquid and debris from a cleaningsurface, thereby minimizing operator effort and operation time.

Another feature and advantage of the present invention is its compactsize and light weight, wherein the vacuum cleaner attachment is easy tooperate.

These and other features and advantages of the present invention willbecome more apparent to one skilled in the art from the followingdescription and claims when read in light of the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be better understood by reading the DetailedDescription of the Preferred and Selected Alternate Embodiments withreference to the accompanying drawing figures, in which like referencenumerals denote similar structure and refer to like elements throughout,and in which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of an alternate embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of an alternate embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of an alternate embodiment of thepresent invention; and

FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of an alternate embodiment of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED AND SELECTED ALTERNATIVEEMBODIMENTS

In describing the preferred and selected alternate embodiments of thepresent invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, specific terminology isemployed for the sake of clarity. The invention, however, is notintended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and itis to be understood that each specific element includes all technicalequivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similarfunctions.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-2, the present invention in a preferredembodiment is a vacuum cleaner attachment 10 generally preferablypossessing handle 20, head 30, semi-absorbent pad 60, squeegee 70, andsidewalls 80. Preferably, handle 20 is a cylindrical tube having firstend 22 and second end 24, wherein first end 22 is dimensioned to receivea vacuum hose, thereby removably attaching vacuum cleaner attachment 10to a vacuum cleaner. Although it is preferred that vacuum cleanerattachment 10 be attached to the vacuum cleaner by frictional fit, it iscontemplated in an alternate embodiment that vacuum cleaner attachment10 could be attached by other suitable means, such as, for exemplarypurposes only, a tab and slot system, a threaded engagement, or vacuumcleaner attachment 10 could be permanently fixed to the vacuum cleaneror formed as a part thereof.

Preferably, second end 24 is integrally formed to head 30, whereinhandle 20 and head 30 form a continuous passageway to be connected tothe vacuum source. Preferably, head 30 is disposed at an obtuse anglefrom handle 20, so that when handle 20 is held in a horizontal position,head 30 extends toward the ground at approximately a forty-five degreeangle relative to handle 20. It is recognized in alternate embodimentsthat head 30 could be connected to handle 20 by other suitable means, orhead 30 could be positioned at any angle relative to handle 20. Further,although handle 20 and head 30 are preferably formed from plastic, it iscontemplated in an alternate embodiment that handle 20 and head 30 couldbe formed from other suitable lightweight, relatively rigid materials,such as, for exemplary purposes only, wood, aluminum, rubber, or othersynthetic materials.

Head 30 is preferably substantially triangular shaped and comprisesfirst wall 32, second wall 34, third wall 36 and fourth wall 38. It isrecognized that head 30 could define other alternatively suitable shapesand/or sizes, such as, for exemplary purposes only, rectangular,trapezoidal or semi-circle. Preferably, first wall 32, second wall 34,third wall 36 and fourth wall 38 possess first edge 33, second edge 35,third edge 37 and fourth edge 39, respectively, wherein first edge 33,second edge 35, third edge 37 and fourth edge 39 together form intakeport 40 of head 30. Preferably, lip 50 is integrally formed to firstedge 33, wherein lip 50 extends outwards and away from intake port 40 ata substantially perpendicular orientation relative to first wall 32. Lip50 preferably possesses first side 52 and second side 54 (not shown),wherein second side 54 preferably provides an attachment area forsemi-absorbent pad 60, as more fully described below. It is recognizedthat lip 50 could alternatively be connected to first edge 33 by othersuitable means, such as, for exemplary purposes only, glue, rivets,bolts, screws, or the like. Further, although lip 50 is preferablyformed from plastic, it is contemplated in an alternate embodiment thatlip 50 could be formed from other lightweight, relatively rigidmaterials, such as, for exemplary purposes only, wood, aluminum, rubber,or other synthetic materials.

Preferably, semi-absorbent pad 60 is attached to second side 54 of lip50 by bracket 62, wherein semi-absorbent pad 60 extends outwards,substantially parallel to first wall 32. Preferably, semi-absorbent pad60 and bracket 62 have a length approximately equal to the length of lip50, wherein semi-absorbent pad 60 is glued to bracket 62, and whereinbracket 62 is then glued to second side 54 (not shown) of lip 50,thereby permanently securing semi-absorbent pad 60 to vacuum cleanerattachment 10. Although it is preferred to utilize glue as a securingmeans, it is contemplated in an alternate embodiment that other suitablemeans of securing could be employed, such as, for exemplary purposesonly, rivets, bolts, or the like. Further, it is also recognized in analternate embodiment that semi-absorbent pad 60 could be removablysecured to vacuum cleaner attachment 10 by any suitable means knownwithin the art, such as, for exemplary purposes only, screws, frictionalfit or a tongue and groove system.

Bracket 62 is preferably an aluminum, U-shaped bracket; however, it isrecognized that bracket 62 could alternatively be formed from othersuitable, strong, rigid materials and could alternatively embody othersuitable shapes and/or sizes so long as bracket 62 is capable ofsecurely attaching semi-absorbent pad 60 to lip 50. It is furtherrecognized, in an alternate embodiment, that semi-absorbent pad 60 couldbe directly mounted to lip 50.

Semi-absorbent pad 60 is preferably formed from ethylene propylene dienemonomer (EPDM) foam. It is recognized in alternate embodiments thatsemi-absorbent pad 60 could be formed from other suitable, softmaterials known within the art, such as, for exemplary purposes onlycloth, rubber, plastic or the like. Preferably, the flexible propertiesof semi-absorbent pad 60 allow vacuum cleaner attachment 10 to conformto varying surfaces. Additionally, the semi-absorbent properties ofsemi-absorbent pad 60 preferably allow it to remove excess water andcleaning solution from a surface, as more fully described below.

Squeegee 70 is preferably permanently fixed to second wall 34, proximateto second edge 35, wherein squeegee 70 preferably extends outwards,substantially parallel to second wall 34. Squeegee 70 is preferablyglued to second wall 34; however, it is contemplated in an alternateembodiment that other suitable attachment means could be employed, suchas, for exemplary purpose only, cement, tongue and groove, screws,rivets, bolts, or the like. It is further recognized, in an alternateembodiment, that squeegee 70 could be removably secured to vacuumcleaner attachment 10 by any suitable means known within the art, suchas, for exemplary purposes only, screws, frictional fit, or a tongue andgroove system. Preferably, squeegee 70 is a thin, flexible strip ofrubber having a length approximately equal to the length of second edge35; however, it is contemplated in an alternate embodiment that squeegee70 could be formed from other suitable, soft, flexible materials andcould embody other suitable shapes and/or sizes, so long as squeegee 70is capable of removing excess water and cleaning solution from acleaning surface, as more fully described below. Squeegee 70 preferablycomprises ridges 72, wherein ridges 72 permit maximum airflow intovacuum cleaner attachment 10, thereby maximizing cleaning performance.

Preferably, sidewalls 80 are glued to third edge 37 and fourth edge 39for providing structural support and maintaining the vacuum force.Sidewalls 80 are preferably thin, flexible, trapezoidal-shaped pieces ofrubber; however, it is recognized in an alternate embodiment thatsidewalls 80 could be formed from other suitable soft, flexiblematerials, such as, for exemplary purposes only, plastic, EPDM foam, orother synthetic materials. It is further recognized that sidewalls 80could alternatively embody other suitable shapes and/or sizes, so longas sidewalls 80 do not extend beyond semi-absorbent pad 60 or squeegee70, thereby allowing semi-absorbent pad 60 and squeegee 70 to contactthe surface to be cleaned and permitting maximum airflow into vacuumcleaner attachment 10. Although it is preferred that glue be used as asecuring means, it is contemplated in an alternate embodiment, thatother suitable means of securing could be employed, such as, forexemplary purposes only, screws, rivets, bolts or the like. Further, itis also recognized in an alternate embodiment that sidewalls 80 could beremovably secured to vacuum cleaner attachment 10 by any suitable meansknown within the art, such as, for exemplary purposes only, screws,frictional fit, or a tongue and groove system.

Although it is preferred that sidewalls 80 have a length approximatelyequal to third edge 37 and fourth edge 39, it is contemplated in analternate embodiment that sidewalls 80 could be shorter than third edge37 and fourth edge 39. In such an embodiment, sidewalls 80 could besubstantially centered on third edge 37 and fourth edge 39, whereinchannels 82 and 84 (not shown) are formed between sidewalls 80 andsemi-absorbent pad 60 and squeegee 70, respectively, thereby permittingmaximum airflow into vacuum cleaner attachment 10. It is recognized inanother alternate embodiment that sidewalls 80 could be positioned onthird edge 37 and fourth edge 39 so that only one channel is formedthereon.

The unique combination and configuration of flexible cleaning elementsallow vacuum cleaner attachment 10 to conform to uneven and varyingsurfaces. For example, while not limiting, the present invention hasparticular relevance in the motor vehicle and automobile detailingindustry, wherein cleaning typically involves applying a cleaning headto uneven and varying exterior motor vehicle surfaces. Furthermore, thepresent invention can be advantageously utilized with U.S. Pat. Nos.6,446,881 and 6,595,438 B2, to one of the inventors hereof, wherein aportable powered spray applicator car wash device is provided to holdand dispense liquid cleansers and waxes for rubbing into the body andwindows of a vehicle.

To operate vacuum cleaner attachment 10, handle 20 is preferablyattached to a wet-dry vacuum cleaner and a cleaning solution ispreferably applied to a surface to be cleaned. The preferred cleaningsolution is a natural, multi-purpose cleaning solution and degreasercomprising d-limonene, corn surfactants, and soy oil derivatives.Advantageously, it has been found that such a cleaning solution anddegreaser provides excellent cleaning properties with a minimum ofabrasion-type scrubbing. Accordingly, use of this preferred cleaningsolution in association with the present invention provides superiorcleaning characteristics, while sparing surface finishes.

Preferably, holding vacuum cleaner attachment 10 by handle 20, vacuumcleaner attachment 10 is moved across the surface to be cleaned, whereindirt, dust, debris and the like, along with any residual cleaningsolution, is removed by squeegee 70. Preferably, any liquid or debrisnot cleared away by squeegee 70 is subsequently drawn into intake port40 by the vacuum source. Further, any remaining liquid or debris ispreferably removed by semi-absorbent pad 60.

Now referring to an alternate embodiment shown in FIG. 3, semi-absorbentpad 90 possesses rectangular-shaped groove 92 for retainingrectangular-shaped blade 94, wherein rectangular-shaped blade 94 ispermanently fixed to semi-absorbent pad 90 by glue. During operation,semi-absorbent pad 90 flexes away from intake port 96, whereinrectangular-shaped blade 94 contacts the cleaning surface to assist withthe removal of excess water and cleaning solution.

Now referring to FIG. 4, in an alternate embodiment, semi-absorbent pad100 possesses T-shaped groove 102 for removably securing blade 104.Blade 104 generally comprises I-shaped portion 106 and triangular-shapedportion 108, wherein I-shaped portion 106 anchors blade 104 tosemi-absorbent pad 100. During operation, semi-absorbent pad 100 flexesaway from intake port 101, wherein triangular-shaped portion 108contacts the cleaning surface to assist with the removal of excess waterand cleaning solution from a cleaning surface.

In another alternate embodiment, vacuum cleaner attachment 10 couldcomprise broad head 200, wherein broad head 200 possesses elongatedintake port 210 for cleaning large surface areas (as shown in FIGS. 5and 6).

In another alternate embodiment, vacuum cleaner attachment 10 could becomprised of head 30 only.

In another alternate embodiment, vacuum cleaner attachment 10 could havean exposed third edge 35 and/or an exposed fourth edge 37.

In yet another alternate embodiment, sidewalls 80 and/or semi-absorbentpad 60 could possess ridges.

In still another alternate embodiment, vacuum cleaner attachment 10could have any number and combination of components selected from lip50, semi-absorbent pad 60 and squeegee 70.

Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, itshould be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosuresare exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations,and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention.Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specificembodiments illustrated herein, but is limited only by the followingclaims.

1. A vacuum cleaner apparatus comprising: at least one intake head; atleast one first cleaning element; and at least one second cleaningelement.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said at least one firstcleaning element is a semi-absorbent pad.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2,wherein said semi-absorbent pad is formed from ethylene propylene dienemonomer foam.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said at least onefirst cleaning element comprises a supplemental wiping blade.
 5. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein said at least one second cleaning elementis a squeegee.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said squeegeecomprises ridges.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said at least onesecond cleaning element is a brush.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising at least one third cleaning element.
 9. The apparatus ofclaim 8, wherein said at least one third cleaning element are sidewalls.10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said sidewalls are formed fromethylene propylene diene monomer foam.
 11. The apparatus of claim 9,wherein said sidewalls do not extend beyond said at least one firstcleaning element and said at least one second cleaning element.
 12. Theapparatus of claim 9, wherein said sidewalls contact said at least onefirst cleaning element and/or said at least one second cleaning element.13. A vacuum cleaner apparatus comprising: at least one intake head; atleast one first cleaning element, wherein said at least one firstcleaning element is a semi-absorbent pad; at least one second cleaningelement, wherein said at least one second cleaning element is a squeegeehaving ridges formed thereon.
 14. A method of cleaning, comprising thesteps of: a) obtaining a vacuum cleaning attachment comprising at leastone intake head, at least one first cleaning element, and at least onesecond cleaning element; b) connecting said vacuum cleaning attachmentto a vacuum source; and c) moving said vacuum cleaning attachment over asurface to be cleaned.
 15. The method of claim 14, further comprisingthe step of applying a cleaning solution to a surface to be cleaned. 16.The method of claim 14, wherein said at least one first cleaning elementis a semi-absorbent pad.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein saidsemi-absorbent pad is formed from ethylene propylene diene monomer foam.18. The method of claim 14, wherein said at least one second cleaningelement is a squeegee.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein said squeegeecomprises ridges.
 20. The method of claim 14, wherein said at least onesecond cleaning element is a brush.
 21. The method of claim 14, whereinsaid surface to be cleaned is the exterior of an automobile.